?? Day 23: Unlocking the Hidden Job Market Through Networking

Hey there, Ever feel like the job market is one big iceberg? The part you see online is just the tip—the real opportunities lie hidden beneath the surface. Want to break through? Networking is your secret weapon to uncover the hidden job market and land roles others don’t even know exist.

I’ve personally seen the power of networking in action. Some of my biggest career opportunities came from conversations, not job boards. And it all started with a simple message. Trust me, this works!

?? Day 23 Tip: Use Networking to Tap Into Unadvertised Roles

Why This Matters: Studies show up to 80% of jobs are never advertised. Companies often rely on internal referrals, word-of-mouth recommendations, or recruiters’ networks to fill roles quickly. By building relationships, you position yourself to hear about these opportunities before they’re public.

?? Step-by-Step Assignment (20 Minutes):

1?? Start With Strategic Conversations

• Identify someone who works at a company you admire or is in your target industry.
• Send a tailored message to spark a meaningful conversation:“Hi [Name], I noticed you work at [company]. I’m curious—are there any upcoming roles or projects at [department/team] that might not be publicly listed yet? I’d love to learn more.”

2?? Expand Beyond Your Current Network

• Join webinars, meetups, or LinkedIn group discussions in your field.
• If large events feel overwhelming, focus on smaller, more personal opportunities like 1:1 coffee chats.
• Pro Tip: Be intentional about connecting with professionals in your target role or industry.

3?? Ask for Referrals

• If someone in your network works at your dream company, ask if they’d be open to referring you for any internal roles.
• Pro Tip: Referral bonuses often incentivize employees to recommend strong candidates—don’t hesitate to ask!

4?? Follow Up Like a Pro

• Keep track of your outreach and follow-ups using a simple spreadsheet or LinkedIn notes.
• Example Follow-Up Message:“Hi [Name], it was great connecting with you about [topic]. I really appreciated your insights on [specific point]. Let me know if there are any upcoming opportunities at [company/team]—I’d love to contribute.”

5?? Networking in Action

• A quick success story: A friend of mine reached out to an old colleague on LinkedIn just to reconnect. Turns out, that colleague was hiring for a role they hadn’t advertised yet. Long story short? A quick message led to a new job. This is why networking matters!

?? Your Day 23 Challenge

This week, your goal is to connect with 3 people who can help you explore the hidden job market. Think of it as planting seeds for future opportunities. Bonus: Share your best networking success story using #90Days90Tips to inspire others!

Why This Matters

The hidden job market isn’t hidden to everyone—it’s accessible to those who take action. With every message you send and every conversation you start, you’re positioning yourself for success. Start planting those seeds today!

Looking Ahead to Day 24

Tomorrow, we’ll focus on tailoring your resume for specific roles to help you stand out to hiring managers.

P.S. Know someone hesitant about networking? Share this newsletter to help them uncover hidden opportunities!

Here’s to making your network work for you,

Sabrena ???